Absolute asymmetric synthesis of five-coordinate complexesCCDC 1045814-1045816. For crystallographic data in CIF or other electronic format see DOI: 10.1039/c5nj00254k

In 2009, we reported the first example of the optical resolution of a five-coordinate complex. In this study, we discuss the chirality of five-coordinate enantiomers displaying mono- and bi-dentate ligands by optical resolution of three complexes. Through total spontaneous resolution, it was possible to obtain optically active bulk products starting from achiral precursors only. It was discovered that crystallisation of two of the complexes was influenced by undetectable amounts of an unidentified source of optical activity. Three examples of optical resolution of five-coordinate complexes displaying only achiral mono- or bidentate ligands are reported.